As we near autumn and winter, many pond owners wonder when to stop feeding goldfish in outdoor ponds. The answer depends on a number of factors including water temperature and fish metabolism.
Goldfish, being poikilothermic (cold-blooded), experience decreased metabolic rates when their water temperatures drop. As a result, they cannot digest food properly.
Contents
Summer
When it comes to feeding your goldfish, there are several factors that influence how often and how much they should eat. Some of the most important ones include water temperature, age, and access to natural food sources.
In the summer and particularly during breeding season, it is recommended that you feed your goldfish up to three times a day. This is because goldfish expend a great deal of energy during this time and need protein-rich food in order to maintain optimal growth and condition.
Autumn
In North America and Canada, autumn (also referred to as fall) marks the transition of summer into winter in the northern hemisphere. It begins on September 1st in North America and 30 November in Southern Hemisphere.
On warm autumn days, your goldfish may eat more frequently than usual. These extra meals help them build up energy before the arrival of colder weather.
In the autumn and outdoor pond season, you should only feed your fish once daily. However, during these warm months you can give them additional protein in their food such as Koi Krunchies or watermelon slices for extra energy.
As temperatures begin to dip and the fish’s metabolism slows down, they enter a state of hibernation. This means they cannot digest protein very well, so you need to switch over to wheat germ for them. Once they become able to digest wheat germ, your fish can resume their regular diet.
Winter
As temperatures drop, your pond fish will begin to slow their metabolisms and become lethargic. They may stop ascending to the surface for food, preferring instead to stay near the bottom of the pond.
Fortunately, goldfish do not starve when you stop feeding them during winter as their bodies store up energy reserves to help them survive cold temperatures and ensure they can grow strong and healthy again in spring when temperatures return to normal.
To guarantee your goldfish don’t miss out, monitor the temperature of your outdoor pond and stop feeding when the water drops below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Doing this helps your fish avoid digestive issues which could arise from eating protein-rich food during cold weather.
Spring
Koi, goldfish and other types of fish tend to slow their metabolisms in cooler water temperatures. Therefore, you should reduce the amount of food you feed them when temperatures drop.
It is essential to feed no more food than what your fish can eat within 5 minutes of eating. This prevents overfeeding, waste accumulation and algae growth.
As the days lengthen and water temperatures warm, goldfish typically spawn. The female will appear plumper as she swims around while males chase her to butt her for eggs to release.
As spring arrives, pond owners can resume feeding their wheat germ-based foods. However, if the weather is still cool, wait until water temperatures consistently reach 50degF. This will give them time to adjust and regain their digestive juices; additionally, it helps them avoid getting sick from low metabolism.
